Mysterious Rectangle ‘Silos’ Spotted At Sprawling Chinese Missile Test Base

Summary

Satellite imagery has revealed the construction of unusual hardened structures with retractable roofs at China's 1st Test and Training District in Jilantai, Inner Mongolia, a facility historically linked to the PLA's expansion of silo-based ICBM capabilities. The China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), affiliated with the U.S. Air Force's Air University, published a report by analyst Eli Turk indicating that construction of these unknown fixed launch systems began in late 2022 and appeared nearly complete by late 2023. The rectangular structures measure approximately 65.5 feet long and 21 feet wide, with depths estimated between 21 and 38 feet, making them too shallow to accommodate ICBMs but potentially suitable for short to medium-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The report suggests these structures could support missiles such as the DF-21 MRBM or the hypersonic DF-17, and their vertical launch configuration would enable rapid, concentrated strikes against multiple target types while reducing operational signatures. This development may indicate China is pursuing a new conventional quick-strike capability through fixed, hardened launch infrastructure designed to fire a variety of missile types simultaneously.